Here you’ll find all the details you need to explore Gardens by the Bay, a place like no other! It was actually the very first attraction we visited when we arrived in Singapore, or rather, when we were released from quarantine. Back in 2021, we had to spend two weeks locked up in a hotel room 😯.
My first tip is to buy your Gardens by the Bay tickets online before you leave home! There’s a good chance there’ll be a queue at the ticket counter, especially at weekends, so I’d recommend buying them in advance, while in the comfort of the air conditioning.
Which ticket should you buy to visit the Gardens by the Bay?
I recommend the Flower Dome / Cloud Forest combo ticket. These are the main attractions that you really shouldn’t miss. The ticket includes entry to both conservatories, which are essentially climate-controlled greenhouses with impressive architecture, showcasing plants from around the world. You can see everything from waterfalls and tropical forests to Mediterranean gardens, and the architecture is impressive too.
Photo 1: Waterfall at the entrance to the Cloud Forest
Photo 2: Cloud Forest
Poto 3: Cloud Forest – Avatar theme
The temporary exhibitions in both conservatories are constantly changing, so there’s always something new to see, even for me, despite having been several times. For example, the Cloud Forest currently has a Jurassic Park-themed exhibition🦕.
How to get to Gardens by the Bay?
Take the blue Downtown Line on the MRT and get off at Bayfront station. As you leave the station, you’ll see signs pointing in two directions: one towards The Shoppes (the shopping mall in front of Marina Bay Sands), and one towards Gardens by the Bay. Follow the latter. There are plenty of signs along the way!
As soon as you reach street level, the iconic Marina Bay Sands towers will be right in front of you. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, passing through the Heritage gardens along the way.
Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus which stops right by the MRT exit and drops you off directly at the entrance of the Flower Dome. Tickets cost SGD 3 per person and include the return journey.
Suggested visit plan to Gardens by the Bay
The Cloud Forest is by far the most impressive attraction, so I recommend starting there.
If you tend to feel the cold, bring a light jumper. It’s kept very cool inside and there’s a huge waterfall right at the entrance that might splash you if you get close.
Photo 4: Cloud Forest – Jurassic World theme
Photo 5: Cloud Forest – Jurassic World theme
Photo 6: Cloud Forest – Jurassic World theme
Then, continue your visit in the Flower Dome which is more like an indoor botanical garden, with beautifully curated temporary flower displays and creative arrangements.
Photo 7: Flower Dome temporary exhibition
Photo 8: Flower Dome temporary exhibition
Photo 9: Flower Dome temporary exhibition
Set aside at least half a day (either a morning or an afternoon) to visit these two attractions. If you go in the morning, be sure to come back in the evening to see the Garden Rhapsody light show, which is performed daily at 7:45pm and 8:45pm. I absolutely love this free show of music and lights, and I would highly recommend staying for it!
Unless you reserve your spot in advance at the Supertrees, there won’t be any seats available for the show. Be prepared to sit or lie on the ground to fully enjoy the light display. If you can, bring a picnic mat to make yourself more comfortable.
Photo 10: Garden Rhapsody show
Photo 11: Garden Rhapsody show
Photo 12: Garden Rhapsody show
Visiting the Gardens by the Bay with children
If you’re travelling with children, there are two additional free activities inside Gardens by the Bay:
Photo 13: Far East Organization Children’s Garden
Where to eat at Gardens by the Bay
You can find a full list of food and drink options on the Gardens by the Bay website here. Bear in mind that the gardens are huge, so it takes time to move from one end to the other, so it’s worth planning ahead.
Other attractions at Gardens by the Bay
Other experiences at GBTB include the Flower Fantasy, the Supertree Observatory the highest point of the giant trees), or the OCBC Skyway, a suspension bridge connecting the trees. These are worth checking out if you have extra time, but otherwise I’d recommend focusing on the main attractions mentioned above.
Photo 14: Floral Fantasy
Photo 15: Floral Fantasy
Photo 16: Floral Fantasy
Photo 17: View from the OCBC Skyway
I hope this post has given you an idea of what to expect on your visit! Don’t forget to check out my other posts about Singapore too:
